A further attempt in December came within two seconds of lift-off, but the countdown was aborted because of "rising liquid oxygen temperatures" that were not compatible with the afternoon's warm conditions.

Shortly afterwards, Rocket Lab announced it would be suspending launch attempts until early 2018.

Sunday's launch is the first time a satellite has been launched into orbit from New Zealand.

Still Testing is carrying small Earth-imaging satellites for US companies Planet Labs and Spire Global.

"We'll become the second company in the world to have put something in orbit, and New Zealand the 11th nation," said company founder Peter Beck.

Clarification: Newshub has now confirmed that Hastings District Councillor Damon Harvey was not onboard the boat which disrupted the attempted launch on Saturday 20 January 2018.

BSA RULING

The Broadcasting Standards Authority has upheld a complaint from Hastings District Councillor Damon Harvey concerning our coverage of the aborted Rocketlab launch from January of this year.

The BSA ruled that Newshub’s coverage breached standards of fairness and accuracy.